Accordions/Pineapples/Artificial Joints

The accordion, the complex instrument with the distinctive sound, consists of three main components: the piano-style keyboard on the right side which produces the melody, the buttons on the left side for the chord accompaniment, and in between, the bellows that force air through reeds. The accordion contains up to ten sets of steel reeds with various pitches. As the show continues, we learn about the pineapple which is native to South America and we discover that its Latin name is Anana which comes from Nana, what the natives actually call the plant. Five months after the blooming of the plant and almost a year after the last harvest, a sweetness level check is performed and harvesting can begin. In the end, we learn about the artificial joint, a prosthesis that surgeons use in order to replace diseased or worn-out bone and cartilage, relieve pain and improve the range of motion. A typical artificial joint has both metal and plastic components, with metal acting as the bone while ... Written by Nick Riganas

Binoculars/Sparklers/Rubber Boots/Circular Saw Blades - EPS 01

HD

IMDb: 7.6

2008

21 min

In the first episode of the season, we learn about the making of binoculars, which is, actually, a pair of hand-held telescopes, and the fabrication of party sparklers that are indispensable on every celebration. Next, we discover how Wellington boots, rain boots or just plain rubber boots are made, thanks to the vulcanisation progress. Finally, we learn all about one of the most important tools in any construction site: the circular saw blade. Written by Nick Riganas

Anatomical Models/Jukeboxes/Tortilla Chips/Spark Plugs - EPS 02

HD

IMDb: 6.9

2008

22 min

Today, we will learn about the fabrication of the anatomical model which is essential for its educational value and the making of the jukebox that was primarily purposed as a memo-recording device for executives. Next, we will discover how a quintessential Mexican snack is made, even though it is actually an American invention: the tortilla chips. Finally, we will learn about one of the most important parts inside an internal combustion engine, which is none other than the spark plug, a 19th-century invention. Written by Nick Riganas

Pencils/Metal Recycling/Coffee - EPS 03

HD

IMDb: 8.0

2008

21 min

First, we learn about the use of graphite which was discovered in England in the middle of the 15th century and actually gave birth to the pencil industry. Next, we discover all about the recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals that come mostly from old cars; a process that can be performed indefinitely without losing any of their properties. Finally, we learn the process of making coffee, a beverage that is the second most valuable commodity after oil. Written by Nick Riganas

Javelins/Cuckoo Clocks/Hearts of Palm/Windshield Wipers - EPS 04

HD

IMDb: 7.2

2008

21 min

This time, we learn about the sport of javelin throw, which dates back to the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece, finding all about the various steps in the making of a modern aerodynamic javelin. Next, we discover the detail required in the assembly behind one of Germany's most famous items: the traditional cuckoo clock with its characteristic bird and the distinct two-tone sound. In addition, we learn about the cultivation and the processing of a certain species of palm that produces the hearts of palm, a delicious vegetable. Finally, we learn all about the fabrication of windshield wipers, an invention which dates back to 1900, and since then, they became a standard equipment on all cars. Written by Nick Riganas

Technical Glass/Washing Machines/Playing Cards/Crossbows - EPS 05

HD

IMDb: 7.7

2008

21 min

The traffic lights, movie lights and aircraft lights share something in common. They are all made of a special type of glass which is called technical glass. Next, we follow the evolution of the washing machine, from a plain bucket with a motor attached to the fully automatic machines that came about in the 1960s, and we learn all about the playing cards which date their existence back to 9th century China--and since then--we find them in a wide array of games that use the traditional 52-card deck. Finally, we discover the various steps in the fabrication of a crossbow, which is a modern version of the bow and arrow that allows aiming and shooting like a rifle, and a light weapon which is popular for both shooting and hunting. Written by Nick Riganas

Cine Cameras/Glass Christmas Ornaments/Giant Tires - EPS 06

HD

IMDb: 8.1

2008

22 min

The cine camera, a precision machine that uses 16mm or 35mm film to capture what it shoots, requires an intricate fabrication process. Next, for many, Christmas just wouldn't be the same without the glitter and the shimmering glow of the glass Christmas ornaments, a German invention which dates back to the 19th century. Finally, we discover how the enormous tyres used in mining and construction sites are made, which are usually double the size of a human being, and weigh thousands of pounds. Written by Nick Riganas

Microphones/Hot Tubs/Artificial Turf/Beer Steins - EPS 07

HD

IMDb: 7.7

2008

21 min

The microphone, an 1876 invention that was used as part of the telephone, is a device that converts sound into a signal, essential for any kind of radio or TV broadcast. Next, the making of a hot tub--the artificial version of a natural hot spring--is a multi-step process which starts with a sheet of rigid acrylic, heated and placed in a mould to form the desired shape. Following, we learn about the manufacturing of synthetic turf, which is actually a 1960s invention, that never needs mowing, watering or weeding and that can be found in many arenas and stadiums. In the end, we learn about the history of the traditional German beer steins, with their ornate ceramic bodies and the characteristic pewter lids. Written by Nick Riganas

Hot Rods/Decorative Eggs/Fire Hose Nozzles/Baseballs - EPS 08

HD

IMDb: 7.7

2008

22 min

Today, we make a hot rod from scratch, which is a modified, faster and stronger version of the classic cars of the past. Next, we discover the fine craft of egg decorating, an art practised around the world for centuries. Probably, the most well-known examples of this art are the Fabergé Eggs, which, actually, are not made from eggs but from precious stones and gems. Following, we understand why a fire hose nozzle is much more than a simple point-and-shoot instrument. This precision tool is a crucial device in any fire-fighting situation where time is of the essence, because of its speed and accuracy. In the end, we learn about the making of baseballs; a multi-step process that requires precise League standards in order to keep each ball uniform, in both the circumference and weight for an equal and fair game. Written by Nick Riganas

Accordions/Pineapples/Artificial Joints - EPS 09

HD

IMDb: 8.0

2008

21 min

The accordion, the complex instrument with the distinctive sound, consists of three main components: the piano-style keyboard on the right side which produces the melody, the buttons on the left side for the chord accompaniment, and in between, the bellows that force air through reeds. The accordion contains up to ten sets of steel reeds with various pitches. As the show continues, we learn about the pineapple which is native to South America and we discover that its Latin name is Anana which comes from Nana, what the natives actually call the plant. Five months after the blooming of the plant and almost a year after the last harvest, a sweetness level check is performed and harvesting can begin. In the end, we learn about the artificial joint, a prosthesis that surgeons use in order to replace diseased or worn-out bone and cartilage, relieve pain and improve the range of motion. A typical artificial joint has both metal and plastic components, with metal acting as the bone while ... Written by Nick Riganas

Giant Valves/Sardines/Barographs/Disposable Diapers - EPS 10

HD

IMDb: 7.4

2008

22 min

From refineries to nuclear plants and from aircraft carriers to submarines, precision-made gate valves come in all shapes and sizes and they play an important part in our life. Usually, they are equipped with controlling mechanisms or hand wheels which by opening or closing a gate or wedge, they control the flow of liquids or gases. Next, we visit a fish factory to learn how the sardines from the Coast of Costa Rica are freshly packaged into cans, a process that begins with the immersion of the fish into a bath of icy water, to keep them fresh and below 5°C. Then, the sardines are fed into a sorting machine which deposits them into lanes. As the show continues, we discover that in contrast to the ancient times, nowadays, we can forecast the weather with the use of instruments such as the barometer or the barograph which automatically records on paper the changes in the atmospheric pressure. A typical barograph consists of three main parts which are the recording arm, the ... Written by Nick Riganas

Heated Skate Blades/Gliders/Hand Bells/Fire Hoses - EPS 11

HD

IMDb: 7.2

2008

22 min

As championships are won or lost in minor details, the heated skate blades make all the difference. At first, custom-made stainless steel blades are placed inside an injection moulding machine, where a plastic overmould is created, ready to receive an electronic smart-board. Next, we learn all about the sport of gliding which uses the forces of the atmosphere to fly higher and longer. Usually, a typical glider has three main parts: wings, fuselage and tail which are all produced in two pieces with the use of resin and steel moulds. Following, we discover the long history of the traditional hand bells which can be found in religious church hymns and even classical music. The fabrication of this musical instrument starts with a casting mould, and then, molten metal is poured into the cavity of the mould. In the end of the show, we learn about the production of the modern fire hose which begins with yarns of polyester which are interweaved to specific patterns. Written by Nick Riganas

An induction cooktop uses copper induction coils which generate high-frequency electromagnetic fields that create heat only in the cookware's cooking surface itself. A punching press stamps computer-generated shapes into sheets of steel that will hold the ceramic glass-top in place. Following, we discover that a road-level truck scales which can be found in grain silos, highway weight stations or quarries, is an enormous precision equipment that houses a tiny key component: the strain gauge. Next, a Tetra Pak container which keeps drink and food product safe for consumption up to a year without the use of additional preservatives is mostly made of paper and it is completely recyclable. It consists of a plastic layer, a paperboard, a foil layer, and finally, a plastic coating to make the product leak-proof. Finally, we learn that harmonicas come in two main types: the diatonic harmonica with ten mouth-holes, and the chromatic harmonica which has up to sixteen holes, plus a special ... Written by Nick Riganas

Baseball Gloves/Medical Electrodes/Stetson Hats - EPS 13

HD

IMDb: 7.7

2008

22 min

As we follow the evolution of the leather baseball glove, we discover that the production of this essential covering for the protection of the player's hand starts with a hydraulic press which punches out the felt padding that cushions the fingers and the thumb. Next, the medical electrodes, the little sensors that detect the electrical currents in the heart, the brain or other parts of the body, start with a roll of foam which is coated with medical-grade adhesive. Finally, we discover that the original wide-brimmed cowboy hat was made popular in 1865 by the Stetson Hat Company and its founder, John B. Stetson. This indispensable item is made from blends of pretreated fur such as beaver, rabbit and wild hare. Written by Nick Riganas